Protected Union Activity

What Gives Us the Right to Form a Union?

Union activity is a protected right under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA protects the right of employees to engage in protected concerted action for the improvement of wages, benefits, and working conditions. Workers may also engage in union activities and support a union.

Union Activity

Employees have a protected right to attempt forming a union. Where a union already exists, employees may attempt to decertify a it. This usually happens when there are no employees to help support the previously formed union.

Employees Rights Regarding Unions

Examples of employee rights include:

Forming, or attempting to form, a union in your workplace;

Joining a union whether the union is recognized by the employer or not;

Assisting a union in organizing fellow employees;

Refusing to do any or all of these things.

To be fairly represented by a union

Filing a Complaint

The Board agents gather evidence and often take affidavits from parties and witnesses after a complaint is filed. After investigation, the board sends their findings to a Regional director who reviews it. Sometimes, in more serious cases, the complaints are reviewed by an NLRB attorney. You can expect a decision on a complaint within 12 weeks. That being said, sometimes the NLRB takes longer. It is during this time period that the claims are usually settled.

It is illegal for an employer or union to retaliate against employees for filing charges or participating in NLRB investigations or proceedings.

Do I Need a Union Lawyer?

Filing and handling complaints for NLRA violations and dealing with the NLRB can be quite complexing and time consuming. Some people have managed to handle these issues on their own. But those who we’ve spoken to who have, said they wish they would have just hired a union lawyer to help them. If you need help with your NLRA claim, contact a Fort Worth union lawyer at Hutchison & Stoy, PLLC today for a free consultation. You may contact us via phone at (817)820-0100 or fill out an online case evaluation.